Everything you need to know about The National Lottery’s Big Eurovision Welcome

It’s a spectacular live show which will signal the start of the Eurovision fun

There’s just a few days to go before Liverpool goes Eurovision crazy – if it hasn’t already! – and the party begins with The National Lottery’s Big Eurovision Welcome.

An amazing 30,000 people will be attending the event as the city officially greets the arrival of the world’s greatest song contest.

And other than ‘it’ll be incredible’ here’s everything you need to know.

What is The National Lottery’s Big Eurovision Welcome?

It’s a spectacular live show which will signal the start of the Eurovision fun and celebrate the city’s musicality, unique humour and famously warm welcome, as well as the partnership between Liverpool, Ukraine and Eurovision. The star-studded show will also have the largest crowd for any single event to be staged in Liverpool for Eurovision 2023.

When is it?

It’s on Sunday, May 7, starting at 8pm.

Where is it?

It’s outside St George’s Hall and the surrounding area.

What time will doors open?

Doors will open at 5.30pm with the last entry at 7.30pm. 

How long will it last?

The outdoor show is scheduled to last for around 90 minutes.

Who is hosting the show?

The National Lottery’s Big Eurovision Welcome is being hosted by actor and comedian Joel Dommett and TV presenter AJ Odudu.

What’s the line-up?

There’s going to be some amazing performances from legendary Liverpool bands including The Lightning Seeds, Atomic Kitten, and The Real Thing, AND Frankie Goes to Hollywood are reuniting for a special Eurovision performance.

Eurovision winners Conchita Wurst, who won the contest for Austria in 2014, will also be performing alongside 2016 Ukraine winner Jamala, and Swedish pop singer Zara Larsson.

Anyone else?

Yes, Strictly favourite Shirley Ballas, actor Ricky Tomlinson and Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne are also appearing on the night.

Where are the entrances to the event?

There are three entrances into the event arena located at Gate A – London Road, Gate B – Skelhorne Street and Gate C – Great Georges Place.  Each ticket will have the allocated gate on.

Can I still get tickets?

Sadly not, it’s all sold out.

Can I watch it on TV?

You will be able to see highlights on ‘EurovisionWelcomes The World’ hosted by Rylan and Liverpool actress Sunetra Sarker on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, on Monday, May 8. You can also watch it live at the EuroVillage at the Pier Head which has a capacity for 15,000.

Why is The National Lottery doing this?

It says it wanted to create a public event to mark the UK’s hosting of Eurovision and to thank National Lottery players for the £330m they’ve contributed to more than 3,600 music and cultural projects in Liverpool.

For a full list of Eurovision events check out our calendar here.